Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Many of us will have traumatic experiences in our lives. By this, we mean experiences that might make us afraid for our life as we know it. Afterwards, some people can experience a mix of feelings.
For most people with these experiences, time and usual day-to-day activities allow these feelings to recover naturally, and for others, symptoms can last much longer.
It is not clear why some people develop these symptoms while others do not or some people recover more quickly than others. There may be many factors involved.
When the symptoms persist for over a month and get in the way of everyday activities, this is when a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would become appropriate.
Common symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include:
- Memories which pop up and feel vivid as if they are not a memory but current experience
- A perception of the world or yourself that is so negative it makes life difficult
- Feeling on edge and the lookout for danger
- Avoiding or excessive behaviours to attempt to stay safe
Symptoms of PTSD
Intrusion
Avoidance
Cognitive and emotional changes
Changes in reactivity
Types Of PTSD
1. Normal Stress Response
This is the initial response that someone has to a traumatic experience.
2. Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder is a short-term effect of a traumatic event, and it can last up to a month. This can include having nightmares and intrusive thoughts.
3. Uncomplicated PTSD
This is the most common type of PTSD, which normally arises from a singular traumatic event. Some symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks, and mood changes.
4. Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD arises from repeated or prolonged trauma, which is often experienced in childhood. The symptoms of this are similar to uncomplicated PTSD but additionally can include difficulties in emotional regulation.
5. Comorbid PTSD
PTSD occurs alongside other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
6. Delayed Onset PTSD
Symptoms may emerge more than six months after the traumatic event, which will include severe symptoms such as recurring nightmares and constant flashbacks. However, these symptoms may not appear right away; they might take a while to develop.
How Common Is PTSD?
- In 2020, around 13 million people in the US had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Women are more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than men, around 8% of women and 4% of men will have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at some point in their life.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is most common between 17-18 years old
- 70% of adults have experienced a traumatic event out of which 20% will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Causes Of PTSD
When To Seek Help
You may want to reach out for support if you have or feel:
- Experience vivid flashbacks/nightmares
- Feelings of being on edge or being easily scared
- Trouble with sleep and/or concentrating
- Avoid reminders of the trauma experienced or witnessed
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Feel anxious, hopeless or angry
If you have been experiencing these symptoms for over a month and they interfere with your daily life, therapy can help.
However, it is important to note you do not need to wait for it to get worse or reach a month to reach out; early intervention makes a big difference!
Can PTSD Be Prevented
Yes, sometimes PTSD can be prevented or reduced significantly, particularly with the help of strong support systems and early intervention.
One of the most effective therapeutic approaches is trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been found to reduce the risk of chronic PTSD if delivered promptly after the traumatic event.
Moreover, strong social support is linked to better outcomes after trauma. Resilience training, particularly for high-risk groups, can also be beneficial.
How Can Us Help You?
At Us, we understand that healing from these traumas is not a standard method; we work to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to process your experiences and work towards recovery.
With the help of the DSM-5, clinicians will review the criteria to check whether your circumstances meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.
However, even if an individual does not meet the exact criteria for a diagnosis, they can still receive treatment for their symptoms. We work alongside evidence-based techniques and will collaborate with you to determine what works best for you and your unique journey.
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
There are Post Traumatic Stress Disorder specific protocols with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches use a phased approach to therapeutic work.
- The first phase is focused on safety and stabilisation
- The second phase is focused on the memories
- The first phase is on making sense of things and moving on with your life.
Due to the structure of trauma therapy, it can be helpful to start with phase one. Sometimes this is enough for people for the phase they are in in their lives. They can also choose to work through all three phases to recover more from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)